Ministry Of PUPR: Manakaya Embung In Indramayu Gives Benefits For Irrigation And Tourism

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) through the Directorate General of Water Resources said that Embung Waanaya in Indramayu, West Java, provides benefits for irrigation and tourism.

"In some areas there are still people who often have difficulty getting clean water. Reality like this is the concern of the Ministry of PUPR to always strive to provide water infrastructure, one of which is through the construction of reservoirs," said PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Saturday, February 3.

Basuki said the provision of water facilities and infrastructure such as dams and reservoirs is intended for water security and food sovereignty.

The Ministry of PUPR continues to build dams and reservoirs in various regions. One of the reservoirs of artificial water that has been felt by the community is Embung Wanakaya in Indramayu Regency, West Java.

The construction of the Wanakaya Embung was carried out in the 2020-2021 fiscal year with a state budget cost of around Rp32.4 billion. The embung with a capacity of 101,800 m3 has provided benefits for water supply for agricultural land covering an area of 777 hectares and as a reservoir for water during the dry season.

The construction of the Wanakaya Embung is carried out in two stages. The first stage in 2020 includes landwork (gail, piles and blankets), intake construction, pump house construction, installation of channeling pipes, and inlet and outlet work. While the second stage in 2021 includes revetment work, inspection roads, minipile design, and rock pairs.

Embung is one of the water harvesting techniques that is very suitable for dry areas. Dewung water reservoirs function to distribute and ensure the continuity of water availability for various needs of the community, namely storing water during the rainy season so that it can be used at a time of need.

The presence of Embung Wanakaya is expected to provide a solution to the water crisis for farmers, so that they can boost agricultural products and improve the community's economy.

In addition to being a water reservoir for irrigation, Embung Wanakaya has also become a public space as a new tourist destination because it has beautiful views with a rice field background, has a typical rural natural nuance equipped with jogging tracks, Embung Wanakaya has gone viral on social media after the construction is completed and has its own charm for local tourists.